[Middle School Students] Popular Songs Ranking by Generation [2026]

Racing into the NightYOASOBI91rank/position

YOASOBI “Racing into the Night” Official Music Video

YOASOBI’s “Yoru ni Kakeru” is also extremely popular as background music for dance.

Released as a single in December 2019, it dominated virtually every chart in 2020 and has become such a classic that it seems like there’s no one who hasn’t heard it.

YouTube is full of kids’ dance videos to the song, which shows just how popular it is.

There are routines at various levels from elementary to high school, so be sure to try a dance performance at your school’s sports day or festival!

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Hamada Takuya

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Dear, boyHump Back92rank/position

Hump Back – “Dear, Boy” Music Video

It’s a powerful cheer song that resonates in the hearts of those on the verge of giving up on their dreams.

With warm, tender vocals that embrace the struggle to push forward through the anxieties and setbacks of youth, and a driving rock sound full of momentum, the track has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Released in June 2018 as Hump Back’s major-label debut single, it reached No.

13 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its easy-to-sing melody and lyrics that cut straight to the heart, it’s sure to unite the entire school festival venue in excitement!

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)GReeeeN93rank/position

GReeeeN – Michi (Road/Path)

A classic GReeeeN song to listen to when you hit a wall with daily studies or club activities and feel like giving up.

Released in January 2007, it was their memorable debut single and was featured widely in the media, including as the opening theme for CDTV.

The lyrics convey a message of believing in yourself and moving forward no matter the difficulties, offering comfort and courage to listeners.

It’s loved by top athletes as well—pitcher Yu Darvish has said it supported him.

In 2017, it was used in a SUBARU commercial, drawing renewed attention a decade after its release.

When you feel uncertain about the path you’ve chosen, this is a cheer song that gently nudges you forward.

Thank youFUNKY MONKEY BABYS94rank/position

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “Thank You”

Here’s a song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS released in 2013.

The band is known for featuring celebrities who fit the image of each song on their cover art instead of themselves, and for this track, Sanma Akashiya appears on the jacket as a teacher.

Since it was used as the theme song for the 85th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament (Senbatsu) and for “Akamru! Scoop Koshien,” it’s a perfect choice to sing at school.

Choral pieces are great, of course, but familiar, accessible songs like this can really liven things up, too.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Overdosenatori95rank/position

Natori – Overdose

The track released digitally in September 2022 sparked a huge response at home and abroad through social media, helping to spread Natori’s name.

The lyrics depict a relationship you know you shouldn’t be in but can’t escape, mistaking what slips through your fingers for love—an urgent, chest-tightening plunge into a sweet yet perilous whirl of emotion.

Singing of a fleeting romance like a fruit on the verge of breaking, this piece is likely to resonate with middle schoolers grappling with inner darkness.

It’s a recommended number for those who feel loneliness or conflict and wish for someone to understand the pain they carry alone.